Family-Directed Services

When it comes to choosing services, everyone has different needs and preferences. Additionally, every community offers a different amount and variety of services. The Family-Directed Supports option offers parents of children with developmental disabilities more choice and flexibility in purchasing the services and supports their children need.

In the Family-Directed Supports option, a child determined eligible for services will be assigned an individualized budget based on their child’s strengths and assessed needs. Using this individualized budget, a family can plan a year of supports, therapy, services and goods to enable their child to live a full and inclusive life. The flexibility in this model allows parents to choose, design and direct services outside of the traditional menu of services.

For example, families would be able to contract with non-traditional providers or with traditional service providers that have the skills and experience desired by the family. This pathway allows for creative and innovative ways to access services that the traditional pathway does not, while still maintaining accountability required by federal authorities.

The Family-Directed Supports pathway is designed for families who want a more hands-on and flexible approach in determining the types of services and supports their children receive and more control over who provides them.

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